Dacai Hui Ethnic Town in Huangzhong County, Xining
Dacai Hui Ethnic Township (Dacai Huizu Xiang, 大才回族乡) is located in the central part of Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province. It is situated 20 kilometers west of the district government seat. The township has a population of 22,000, with the Hui ethnic group being the majority, making up 53.2% of the total population. The area covers 72 square kilometers and includes 20 village committees: Sunjiayao (孙家窑), Shang Baiya (上白崖), Gan Jia (甘家), Huangshu Wan II (黄鼠湾二村), Sunjiayao Yangpo (孙家窑阳坡), Shang Cuolong (上错隆), Li Qian (立欠), Qian Gou (前沟), Xiao Moshi Gou (小磨石沟), Shang Hou Gou (上后沟), Zhan Lin (占林), Da Moshi Gou (大磨石沟), Shang Hou Gou (上后沟), Zhong Gou (中沟), Qu Qu (渠曲), Dacai (大才), Xia Baiya (下白崖), Xiao Gou (小沟), Zha Zi (扎子), and Dacai Racecourse (大才马场).
Historical Development
- 1949: After the liberation of Huangzhong County, the old system of Shuangping Township (朔屏乡) and Dacai Township (大才乡) was maintained.
- 1958: Integrated into the July 1 Commune (七一公社).
- 1963: Reestablished as Dacai Commune (大才公社).
- 1984: Renamed Dacai Hui Ethnic Township (大才回族乡), one of the three Hui ethnic townships in the county.
Travel Tips
- Getting There: To reach Dacai Hui Ethnic Township, you can travel from Xining City to Huangzhong District by bus or private car. The township is about 20 kilometers west of the district government seat, making it accessible via local roads.
Administrative Division
As of October 2019, Dacai Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 16 administrative villages:
- Qu Qu Village (渠曲村)
- Shang Cuolong Village (上错隆村)
- Qian Gou Village (前沟村)
- Zhong Gou Village (中沟村)
- Xia Hou Gou Village (下后沟村)
- Xia Baiya Village (下白崖村)
- Ma Chang Village (马场村)
- Shang Baiya Village (上白崖村)
- Xiao Gou Er Village (小沟尔村)
- Li Qian Village (立欠村)
- Zhan Lin Village (占林村)
- Xiao Moshi Gou Village (小磨石沟村)
- Da Moshi Gou Village (大磨石沟村)
- Shang Hou Gou Village (上后沟村)
- Zha Zi Village (扎子村)
- Dacai Village (大才村)
Travel Tips
- Local Administration: For administrative or local inquiries, you can visit the township government office located in Sunjiayao Village (孙家窑村).
Geographical Environment
Location and Area
Dacai Hui Ethnic Township is located at the foot of the Nan Shuo Mountain (南朔山), 20 kilometers west of Lushaer Town (鲁沙尔镇) in Huangzhong District. It is bordered to the east by Lushaer Town and Ganha Tan Town (甘河滩镇), to the northwest by Gonghe Town (共和镇), and to the south and north by Handong Township (汉东乡). The administrative area covers 72 square kilometers.
Terrain and Topography
The township is part of the Bai Na Mountain Region (脑山地区), characterized by a mid-mountain belt. The elevation ranges from 2,700 to 3,500 meters, with a high south and low north, and high west and low east. The highest point is at Pipa Bay Ridge (琵琶湾梁), with an elevation of 3,527 meters, while the lowest point is at Sunjiayao, with an elevation of 2,657 meters.
Hydrology
The main river in Dacai Township is the Dakang Chanchuan River (大康缠川河), which originates from the northern slope of Laji Mountain (拉脊山). It has two branches: one flowing from Moshi Mountain (磨石山) and the other from Zhan Lin Gorge (占林沟). The river passes through Dacai and Handong townships before flowing into the Huangshui River (湟水河) in Duoba Kangcheng Village (多巴康城寨村), with a total length of approximately 23 kilometers.
Climate
Dacai Township has a continental plateau climate with unclear seasonal distinctions, significant temperature variations between day and night, a frost-free period of 165 days, and annual rainfall of 550-600 millimeters.
Mineral Resources
Dacai Township, including villages like Da Mo (大磨) and Zha Zi (扎子), has rich silicon ore resources.
Natural Disasters
The primary natural disasters in Dacai Township include hail, drought, flooding, frost, and lightning strikes. The most severe lightning strike occurred in July 2010, when five villagers collecting caterpillar fungus in Da Moshi Gou Village (大磨石沟村) were struck by lightning, resulting in three deaths and two injuries.
Travel Tips
- Weather Considerations: Due to the continental plateau climate, prepare for significant temperature variations and potential natural disasters like hail and lightning when visiting.
Population
As of the end of 2011, Dacai Township had a total population of 24,656, with 492 residing in urban areas, resulting in an urbanization rate of 2%. The population demographics were: 12,883 males (52.25%), 11,773 females (47.75%), 5,566 individuals under 14 years old (22.6%), 17,740 individuals aged 15-64 (72%), and 1,350 individuals over 65 years old (5.4%). The ethnic composition was: Han (汉族) 10,718 (43.5%), Hui (回族) 13,375 (54.2%), and Tibetan (藏族) 563 (2.3%). The birth rate was 8.478‰, the death rate was 2.41‰, and the natural growth rate was 6.07‰.
Travel Tips
- Population Statistics: For specific community interactions or services, consider the population demographics and ensure accommodations or facilities are suitable for the diverse population.
Economy
Agriculture
In 2011, the primary agricultural activities in Dacai Township were crop cultivation, with key crops including wheat, potatoes, and broad beans. Major economic crops included rapeseed. The arable land area was 38,000 acres, and forestland covered 4,500 acres. The total agricultural output value was 93.26 million yuan.
Commerce
In 2011, the commercial and trade sectors focused on gold mining, construction and transportation, real estate development, and the catering industry. There were over 480 individual businesses.
Retail
As of 2018, there were 33 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area of more than 50 square meters.
Travel Tips
- Economic Opportunities: If interested in the local economy, particularly in agriculture or commerce, visit local markets and businesses to explore opportunities.
